Signs of gambling addiction
Gambling addiction has a range of psychological and behavioural signs, a combination of which could indicate you need additional support.
Gambling addiction is a type of impulse-control disorder where you have little or no control over your urge to gamble. This condition means you continue to gamble even if you’re aware that your behaviours could hurt yourself and others. With addiction, the compulsion to gamble continues to escalate, even when the odds of winning are against you. This often leads to placing riskier bets, and gambling with more money, more often.
The key signs of a gambling addiction include feeling unable to manage impulsive urges to gamble. It may have started to negatively impact your life, causing you considerable stress and anxiety. Whether others have noticed or not, this is a clear indicator that you may need to speak to someone if you recognise these signs.
Early signs of a gambling problem
Here are some early psychological and behavioural signs of gambling addiction:
- Thinking about gambling often
- Spending more money or time than intended on gambling
- Hiding your gambling activity or feeling guilty
- Gambling to relieve stress, boredom or anxiety
- Becoming irritable when trying to cut down on gambling
- Losing interest in other hobbies or responsibilities
- Denial that you have a gambling problem
While these behaviours aren’t concrete evidence of a gambling disorder, they indicate a need to reflect on your habits. Could this be developing into something that feels beyond your control? Talking to someone you trust may help you to get some perspective before things escalate.
Gambling addiction symptoms
Gambling behaviours can progress over time, so symptoms may not be easy to spot when it’s developed into addiction. There are some common indicators of a gambling disorder, but it can look different for everyone. Even if not all symptoms are present, feeling unable to stop gambling can still indicate a serious problem.
Here are some signs that gambling may have escalated into addiction:
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts to feel the same ‘high’, due to the brain’s reward system becoming less responsive over time
- Chasing losses (frequently gambling to win back lost money)
- Repeatedly trying to stop but being unable to
- Financial problems, including getting into debt, having to borrow from others, or selling belongings
- Relationship issues, or isolating yourself from family and friends
- Struggling to manage professional responsibilities, due to absence from work or a general lack of concentration
- Stealing or committing fraud to fund gambling
- Feeling irritable or anxious when you’re not gambling
Some people experience ups and downs, with periods of no gambling followed by relapses. Even if the problem doesn’t seem to be constant, it’s still worth seeking help for the underlying issue before things decline further.
What to do if you recognise these symptoms
If you’re worried that gambling is starting to feel like a problem for you or someone you care about, it’s important to know there are steps you can take to try and limit your gambling habits.
In yourself
- Set limits on your gambling. Betting companies may allow you to cap the amount you can spend and input limits on bet amounts or losses
- Use self-exclusion tools to stop you placing any bets at all. Uninstall gambling apps from your phone and use website blockers to stop you visiting gambling websites. You can also sign up for GamStop, which stops you being able to gamble with any firm for up to 5 years
- Avoid triggers that lead to gambling, such as spending time with people you know who gamble, or who encourage risky behaviour. Avoid going near betting shops, casinos, pubs with slot machines, or anywhere else you know will tempt you to gamble
- Perhaps you’re tempted to bet when you’re in certain emotional states, such as feeling bored, lonely or stressed. It will help to look at your weekly routines and identify the main triggers for these emotions. Scheduling activities you enjoy will help you feel more fulfilled and occupied in your free time. By recognising and addressing urges, you can limit your exposure to your addictive behaviour
- Reach out to someone you trust. Gambling addiction can happen to anyone; there’s no need to feel ashamed or worry that it makes you a bad person. You may find that when your gambling feels less like a dark secret, some of the emotional weight starts to lift right away. You can also seek professional treatment
In a loved one
A gentle, compassionate approach can help someone feel supported and reassured when raising the subject of their gambling. Choose a quiet, private place to talk – and at a convenient time for both of you, when neither of you are stressed, nor have somewhere else to be.
Emphasise the genuine concern you feel for the person, without judging them. Use ‘I’ statements, to take the focus off them. For example:
- “I’ve noticed you’ve been stressed about money”
- "I’m worried because I care about you”
Rather than accusing or blaming them, be specific about the behaviours you’ve observed so that the issue is clear, but avoid being confrontational.
Gently suggest professional help, acknowledging that gambling can be addictive and many people struggle with losing control. Offer to assist them in seeking support, whether you accompany them to an appointment, call a helpline together or research support groups with them.
Addiction can take its toll on loved ones too. It’s important to make use of relevant resources and support for family members during gambling addiction, which Priory can provide.
Consider treatment
Many avenues for support and treatment exist for those in recovery from gambling addiction.
Support groups and charities, such as The National Gambling Helpline by GamCare, GambleAware or Gamblers Anonymous UK, can provide access to free resources and peer support. Your GP will also be able to sign post to services in your area.
Alternatively, fast access to treatment is available with Priory. We have a wide range of private gambling addiction treatment services, delivered at a UK-network of world class rehab centres.
